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The First Descendant has only just recently started Season 3. A lot of hype surrounded the season because of the collaboration with Nier Automata, as well as new features such as a hover bike and more. Unfortunately, there has been a lot of controversy recently because of TikTok advertisements for the game. These TikTok ads have been rebuked by the community as AI, and The First Descendant developer has now responded to the “inappropriate” TikTok ads following AI accusations and backlash.
The First Descendant developer responds to TikTok AI allegations
As initially reported by Eurogamer, The First Descendant developer, Nexon, was recently accused of using AI ads on TikTok to promote Season 3. These allegations stem from the community on the game’s official subreddit. On the subreddit, OP, iHardlyTriHard, compiled over a minute-and-a-half of ads for the game on TikTok using “entirely AI generated people, AI videos, AI voices, and most likely AI scripts”. Eurogamer even noted that one of the ads used the likeness of Danielthedemon.
Naturally, fans have been miffed, with many in the replies on Reddit calling the TikTok ads “embarrassing,” “soulless,” “cringe,” and way worse. But now Nexon has responded to the backlash.
On the game’s official X account on August 18th, Nexon said, “We would like to inform you of certain irregularities identified in the operation of our TikTok Creative Challenge for creators”. Per Nexon, “As a part of our marketing campaign for Season 3: Breakthrough, we recently ran a Creative Challenge program for TikTok creators, which allows creators to voluntarily submit their content to be used as advertising materials”.
Nexon further says, “All submitted videos are verified through TikTok’s system to check copyright violations before they are approved as advertising content. However, we have become aware of cases where the circumstances surrounding the production of certain submitted videos appear inappropriate. Thus, we are conducting a thorough joint investigation with TikTok to determine the facts”
Lastly, Nexon “sincerely apologize for the delay in providing this notice as the review is taking longer than expected. Once the verification is complete, we will promptly share an update through an official notice”.
While AI isn’t explicitly mentioned by Nexon, it appears they are laying the blame at TikTok’s verification system. As for the Creative Challenge referred to, this is an initiative run by TikTok as an “official creator monetization program that turns your creativity into cash by creating UGC-style ads for your favorite brands”.
For more The First Descendant, we have a guide to the best skills and loadout for Viessa, along with the best skills, gear, and mods for the hugely popular Bunny. We also have a guide for Freyna along with fundamental tips for beginners.
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The First Descendant
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s): Action, Adventure, RPG
